How to Store Your Cub Cadet Walk-Behind Mower in the Off Season

Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Winter Storage

Learn how to store your cub cadet walk-behind lawn mower in the off season

When fall rolls around, it's time to think about storing your lawn mower for the winter. These instructions will explain how to prepare your Cub Cadet walk-behind mower for storage in the off-season. Proper lawn mower storage and maintenance will keep your machine running safely and smoothly, and can prevent common malfunctions that arise from sitting unused for long periods of time.

Instructions

Be sure the mower is on a flat level surface. Turn the engine off and make sure it is cool. Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire.

Step 2 - Replace the spark plug

If the spark plug appears worn or damaged, take this opportunity to replace it. To find the correct replacement spark plug, check the old spark plug or your operator's manual for the correct part number.

Step 3 - Change the oil

Remove the dip stick. Then, place the top tube of your Arnold Siphon Pump into the dip stick hole on the engine, and the bottom tube of the siphon into the oil pan.

Pump the siphon handle three to four times to prime the pump. Once the oil begins to flow, it will flow without further pumping.

Replace the dipstick. After several minutes, use the dip stick to check oil level. The level should be within the range marked on the dip stick.

Step 4 - Replace the air filter

Release the thumb screw to remove the air filter cover

Remove the paper and foam elements of the air filter

Separate the foam element from the paper element

Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the new foam element and squeeze out all excess oil

Install the new foam and paper elements

Replace the air filter cover and secure it to the mower

Step 5 - Clean the undercarriage of the mower and inspect the mower blade

To access the undercarriage and blade, tilt the mower on its side with the air filter facing up. Thoroughly clean away dirt, grass clippings and other objects that may have become lodged in the undercarriage.

If the blade requires sharpening or should be replaced, remove from the undercarriage. To do this, use the Arnold Blade Removal Tool to hold the blade in place. Then, using a socket wrench, loosen the bolt securing the cutting blade to the engine drive shaft.

Remove the blade, taking care to avoid touching the sharp edges.

Remove the Arnold Blade Removal Tool

If a new mower blade is required, assemble the new blade and blade adapter on the engine crankshaft and tighten the bolt to the proper torque as indicated in your operator's manual.

If your blade only needs sharpening, use the Blade Balancer Sharpener Kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when sharpening your mower blade to reduce the risk of accidental injury. Replace the sharpened blade by tightening the bolt to the torque indicated in your operator's manual.

Replace any of these worn or broken parts you find with the correct replacement parts as noted in your operator's manual.

Step 7 - Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank

Fuel stabilizer helps to prevent old fuel from gumming-up the mower components with it is not in use and is an important element in your lawn mower's winter storage.

Follow this guide to prepare your walk-behind lawn mower for winter storage to help ensure safe and smooth operation for years to come. When performing maintenance on any tool or machine, be sure to work in a clean, well-lit area and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Doing so may prevent accidental injury and can help increase the lifespan of your walk-behind mower.

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